Somy Ali: “Youth Are the Heartbeat of a Nation, But Their Energy Needs Direction”

Humanitarian and former Bollywood actress Somy Ali believes that young people are the driving force behind a nation’s progress — but only if their passion is channeled toward purposeful goals. Speaking about the role of the next generation in India and around the world, she called the youth “the heartbeat of any nation,” praising their creativity, courage, and energy while warning that raw enthusiasm without direction can be easily misled.

In an era dominated by information overload, Somy stresses that misinformation spreads faster than truth.

> “The answer isn’t to shield youth from information — it’s to teach them how to question it,” she says, advocating for critical thinking to be considered as essential in schools as math and science.

Her advice to young people is straightforward:

> “Don’t just read — ask who wrote it, why they wrote it, and who benefits from you believing it.”

Personally, she combats misinformation by verifying sources, consulting trusted mentors, and reminding herself that “trending doesn’t mean truthful.”

When asked what Indian youth need most today, Somy’s answer was instant — empathy.

> “If we can raise a generation that feels deeply for the struggles of others — whether it’s a child bride, a domestic violence survivor, or an elderly person abandoned in a care home — we’ll have a country where progress is measured not just by GDP, but by compassion.”

She advocates for an education system that blends academics with life skills, community service, and human rights awareness from an early age.

Her own youth icon is Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, whom she admires for her courage and resilience.

> “Malala proves that even one young voice can echo across the world,” Somy says.

Reflecting on how India’s youth have evolved, Somy notes a clear transformation:

> “When I was in Bollywood, the youth were aspirational but cautious about speaking up. Today’s youth are bolder — they question more, mobilize faster, and understand they can be both global citizens and deeply rooted in their culture.”

The challenge, she adds, is ensuring activism remains informed, inclusive, and sustainable.

Through her non-profit organization No More Tears, Somy works to empower the next generation to build a future rooted in truth, justice, and compassion.

> “The youth will inherit the world we leave them,” she says, “but they will also build the one we never imagined possible.”